MEP request for Fenech perjury investigation referred to police
The Attorney General’s Office has confirmed that a request by Nationalist MEP David Casa for an investigation into suspected perjury by Yorgen Fenech has been referred to the Commissioner of Police. The request concerns evidence Fenech gave under oath during his murder trial, in which he described Electrogas and 17 Black as entirely unrelated. Casa has pointed to what he says are contradictions between Fenech’s testimony and documentary and financial evidence concerning 17 Black, its ownership and its alleged links to payments involving senior government officials. He has called for the full recording and transcript of Fenech’s testimony to be examined alongside banking records, communications and other evidence. The referral comes after Fenech was acquitted of complicity in the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia earlier this month.
Lilu King loses refugee status as criminal proceedings continue — Mohammed Elmushraty, better known as Lilu King, has lost his refugee status in Malta, Home Affairs Minister Glenn Bedingfield announced on Thursday. Elmushraty had originally been granted refugee status after leaving Libya during the country’s civil war. According to Bedingfield, the International Protection Agency has now informed him that he no longer qualifies for refugee protection because circumstances have changed. Elmushraty is currently being held at Corradino Correctional Facility under preventive custody while proceedings continue in two separate criminal cases. He faces charges linked to an alleged assault in San Ġwann, including complicity in non-consensual sexual acts, abduction, aggravated theft and psychological torture. He is also facing proceedings over an alleged assault at a Sliema beach club in 2023, which left a man grievously injured. Bedingfield said Elmushraty would remain in custody unless the court decided otherwise. (Maltatoday)
Alex Borg calls for restoration of country’s reputation
Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg has called for reforms to strengthen Malta’s institutions and restore the country’s reputation following the conclusion of the trial into the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Speaking at a PN business breakfast on Thursday, Borg said weaknesses in Malta’s institutions and legal framework needed to be addressed, including reforms concerning the separation of powers and the justice system. The meeting brought together professionals and business representatives as the PN continues consultations on reforms linked to the recommendations of the public inquiry into Caruana Galizia’s assassination. Borg said institutions should work in the interests of citizens, provide timely justice and ensure equal opportunities based on merit. He also said the country needed to address the potential economic impact of the situation, including concerns over Malta’s reputation and its ability to attract investment. The PN has said it plans to propose a package of institutional and legislative reforms. (The Malta Independent)
